32 College Towns That Feel Like a European Vacation Without Leaving the U.S.

23. Princeton, New Jersey – An Ivy-Covered English Escape

Step onto the grounds of Princeton University and you might think you’ve apparated to Oxford or Cambridge. While New Haven also boasts Gothic splendor, Princeton offers its own distinct, deeply Anglophile atmosphere with manicured quads, stunning collegiate Gothic buildings like the University Chapel, and elegant Georgian structures such as Nassau Hall. The surrounding town complements this with charming, walkable streets, cozy pubs, independent bookshops, and a palpable intellectual energy, perfectly capturing the essence of a historic English university town.